Derek Webb and the Ethics of Cussing (A Follow Up)

In my previous blog entry about Derek Webb's foul mouthed music, many commenters (here and in other places where the story was posted) thought that I was upset at Mr. Webb for using bad language and was pushing him away for acting "unChristianlike" with no regard for his content.

This is not true.

First, I want to say that I'm not interested in discussing the morality of bad words. I've been told that cuss words are not bad and that Christians should use them more often. Also, I've been told that Paul used curse words in the Bible (which isn't true). I'll let you read Colossians 3:8 and that will be enough for me - it's really not an interesting discussion. Since people associate bad language with bad habits, I personally avoid it.

I'm disappointed with Derek Webb because of his approach. Rather than lovingly encouraging his fellow believers he distances himself from them and talks down to them - there are other ways to get a message across.

If you haven't heard it, I recommend Jon Foreman's song, "Instead of a Show," which criticizes anyone who would put on a show at church by acting spiritual and then spend the rest of the week ignoring the poor and unloved. It sounds a lot like Derek Webb's platform, but Foreman's tone is loving and humble. (He was able to accomplish this by mostly quoting scripture.) His tone is also encouraging - rather than attacking the church he is giving believers direction and does not act superior or haughty.

Webb's language, by contrast, is very rude. But what you need to understand is that Derek Webb's approach would be rude even without the cursing. I'm not protesting the use of a swear word - I don't have that much time on my hands - but I am protesting the hypocritical dogma of a man who accuses his brothers of not showing love through a most unloving method. It's like kicking someone in the shin and saying, "That's for not being nice!"

It is not effective to stand outside of the church and yell and those who are inside no matter what they are doing wrong. Just as Jesus loved us when we were unlovable, we must love our church when it is not perfect.

What IS the Deal with Derek Webb's New Song? [Post Includes Profanity]

Since leaving the Caedmon's Call, Derek Webb's solo career has been followed with much interest and scrutiny by his fans. Gone are the happy-go-lucky songs in the key of G and, in their place, we have a more serious set of songs that dictate a very strong message. It was no small ruckus that was raised when his lyrics entered the realm of politics, but what really raised eyebrows was this statement:

"It seems I've finally found the line beyond which my label can support me, and apparently I've crossed it," Webb writes. "[A]t this point we're not sure when the record will come out and in what form. The majority of the controversy is surrounding one song, which I consider to be among the most important songs on the record …. [B]ecause of various legal/publishing issues we're having to be rather careful with how we do what we're going to do next."

Has Derek Webb finally crossed the line? Oh, yeah.

Webb's latest album, Stockholm Syndrome, contains a tune called "What Matters More" which includes some foul language. Here are the juicy parts.

‘Cause if you really believe what you say you believe you wouldn’t be so damn reckless with the words you speak...
...Meanwhile we sit just like we don’t give a shit about 50,000 people who are dyin’ today. Tell me, brother, what matters more to you?

Derek Webb is trying to make a point. Are you more concerned with his bad language than you are with the hurting and dying in the world? I don't know anyone who is so shallow but, apparently, Derek Webb does.

However, there are a thousand ways to make this point that don't involve making other Christians upset. Personally, I find the whole thing unnecessary. If the point can be made without creating division within Christianity then I think it should be done that way. Angering people is not going to encourage them to get out and take care of the poor and needy - it's just going to start an argument.

Caedmon's Call released an album a few years ago called "Share the Well" that kindly reminded us to help those in need. It's really not my favorite album, musically speaking, but it is possible to get this message out without insulting your fan base.